I love old buildings. It never ceases to amaze me that what appears to be a perfectly good building can be ripped down and replaced with a new building. At times that can be a good thing, especially if the building was poorly constructed in the first place. However, buildings built 30 years ago shouldn’t be that poorly constructed or are they? Near my home, I see buildings built in the late 70’s torn down and rebuilt. When did we become a throw away nation? What is so important about shining metal buildings with loads of reflecting glaze?

That’s why when I visit wineries that have lovingly restored old barns and houses into tasting rooms and wineries, I feel at peace with the world. There is something solid about these buildings and the memories they hold.

Recently two examples, I have come across are near Madison, Wisconsin. At Botham Vineyards & Winery, the tasting room is located in a “hung” barn built in 1904. In 100 years the barn has shifted less than an inch. At Wollersheim Winery, the older building from the 1800’s has been kept and continues to be used. When they needed more space, they chose to add on to the building rather than destroy the original. Kudos to both wineries and anyone else who renovates old, vintage buildings.

Cheers, Kathy